Today's Travel Tips

Eat Through Sagada in a Day

By Mari-An C. Santos for Yahoo! Southeast Asia 
Tue, Apr 16, 2013  

 

Let your path lead to Sagada this summer. (Photo by Mari-an Santos)

As a self-declared adopted daughter of Sagada, I find that I am a little “selfish” about sharing information about the best places to eat in Sagada…out of an (un)natural fear that it will be overrun by tourists and lose its unique feel. However, in the spirit of sharing, here are my tips on food-tripping in the most wonderful way possible.

Just a note: Some places have suffered a bad rap regarding the demeanor of service staff. Please remember that Sagada is still a small town adjusting to an influx of tourists; so locals may not conform to the cityfolk standards of hospitality. But they are happy to help and once you become familiar to them, the shy smiles will feel like precious gold nuggets!

Breakfast at Yoghurt House

Whether you wake up bright and early to be ready for an adventure or pretty late from a cozy, restful night, it’s only appropriate to have a hearty, flavorful breakfast. For this, I highly recommend that you head out to Yoghurt House for their whopping large servings of pancakes done as you like, topped with fruit jams. And of course, paired with their signature yoghurt that’s great with bananas or strawberries and granola.

Yoghurt House is in Dagdag, Sagada

 

A slice of lemon meringue pie from Sagada Cooperative. (Photo by Mari-an Santos)

Morning Merienda at Sagada Cooperative

I love getting off the bus and straight to this modest place that is actually the locals’ favorite snack place. Check out the pantry shelf and hope that they have some chocolate cake, custard cake, pineapple upside down cake, banana cake, and, seriously, the best lemon meringue pie. Of course, any (or a few) of them go well with a steaming cup of fresh brewed coffee that is simply divine. You can order an entire cake or pan to bring for pasalubong, just order a day in advance. They pack it really well, showing what pros they’ve become at the endeavor. If you make it for the siopao, count yourself lucky, because every bite is a sure winner.

Sagada Cooperative is in Poblacion, Sagada (near St. Mary’s and the hospital)

Lunch at Masferré Country Inn and Restaurant

Their home-baked breads are the perfect setting for the delicious blend that make up the tuna apple sandwich with a side of potato fries. The servings are very generous so don’t be fooled. The blend of textures and flavors are as homey as the interiors, adorned with insightful black-and-white photography by Eduardo Masferré. You can also try the unofficial Sagada dish, fried chicken with chopsuey and rice.

Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant is in Poblacion, Sagada. Mobile: +63918 3416164

 

Sagada Lemon Pie House (Photo by Mari-an Santos)

 

Merienda at Sagada Lemon Pie House

After an afternoon of spelunking or trekking, head over to this cozy setting and commandeer a table where you can relax and stretch your aching gams. Order a slice of egg pie or, if in season, blueberry pie and enjoy it with mountain tea. The owners are very friendly and will chat with you; they are interested in how you are enjoying Sagada. There are various novels that past guests have left behind. Feel free to stay and linger a while longer while leafing through the books.

Sagada Lemon Pie House is in Atey, Dao-Angan, Sagada. Mobile: +63907 7820360. Email: lemonpiehouse@gmail.com. Website: http://sagadalemonpiehouse.blogspot.com/

Dinner at The Log Cabin

They are open every night for dinner, but Saturday night dinner buffets at the Log Cabin have become, that’s it, legendary. French Chef Aklay’s notoriety has transcended borders—he has whipped up different dishes and a full spread from soup and salad to dessert every week, depending on the availability of ingredients. Just remember these rules: you need to book your reservation a day in advance, make a deposit, and be there promptly at 7pm. Not too difficult, is it? I have never been in Poblacion on a Saturday night, so I actually have never tried this, but no one I have spoken with has left the table disappointed.

The Log Cabin is in Poblacion, Ato, Sagada. Mobile: +63920 5200463. Email: logcabin_sagada@hotmail.com

 

One of the many charming sights in Sagada. (Photo by Mari-an Santos)

Pasalubong

On your way down, back to your life, buy some freshly baked bread by Chef Aklay, oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies from the public market (or if you can make the trip, Rock Farm Inn), lemon meringue pie from Coop or Sagada Lemon Pie House, and of course, coffee beans from the market.